Balsam vs. fraser: Which Christmas tree is best for your home?

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The smell of balsam fir feels like Christmas magic, but the most popular tree is the more practical: fraser firs. We'll help you decide which tree is right for you!

There's nothing that brings Christmas memories quite like the smell of a fresh Christmas tree, so we visited Hicks Nurseries in Westbury, New York, for some Christmas decorating tips. The nursery has been family-owned since its beginnings in 1853 and takes on a new life during the holiday season when it transforms into the largest Christmas store on Long Island, offering Christmas trees and Christmas experiences alongside plants. Hicks Nurseries has also been named the No. 2 independent garden center in North America on Garden Center magazine’s 2025 Top 100 Independent Garden Centers List.

Although there are a lot of decisions to make this holiday season, one of the easiest should be the type of Christmas tree, because it usually boils down to the two most popular, balsam or fraser. Here's how to decide between the two trees.

Balsam fir: Classic look & unbeatable fragrance

Most fragrant option: This will give you the classic "Christmas" smell.
It has beautiful, soft needles and a traditional, full shape.
This variety is great for people who want their home to smell like the holidays the moment the tree comes inside.
Best for anyone who prioritizes fragrance and that traditional Christmas-tree look.

Fraser fir: Sturdy branches & longevity

Longest-lasting option: Frasers hold their needles through January.
Strong, upward-curving branches support heavier ornaments.
Milder fragrance.
Best for people who want a long-lasting tree, decorate with heavy ornaments or like to keep their tree up well after the holidays.

Why real trees are better for the environment

Unfortunately, real trees aren't an option for everyone because they can create reactions for allergy suffers and are difficult to maneuver into the home for people with physical disabilities, but if you're looking for a more environmentally sustainable option, the real tree usually is preferred.

Environmental pros to real trees:

Easy to recycle: These trees are often turned into mulch but can be used for beach replenishment.
The evergreen branches can dress up window boxes with a little pop of greenery during the cold months.
Live Christmas trees can be used as a wildlife habitat in your garden. They provide shelter and food for animals during the cold months and beyond.
Every tree that's picked is replanted. Christmas trees grow on farms and are not taken from forests.

Environmental cons to real trees

Tree farms have very little biodiversity, which makes it difficult for wildlife to find food. These monocultures are also prone to plant diseases.
Christmas trees have a large carbon footprint (that's the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted during their existence). These heavy trees need to be transported hundreds of miles. However, recycling Christmas trees can offset some of that carbon footprint.

Can you burn your Christmas tree?

If you plan to burn your tree, never do it indoors. The oils in Christmas tree wood can damage chimneys, cause unpredictable flareups and be harmful to your health.

If starting an outdoor fire, always follow local ordinances and safety guidelines. Christmas trees ignite quickly, so handle them carefully.

A greener holiday, start to finish

Choosing a live Christmas tree, whether it's balsam or fraser, celebrates tradition and has uses afterward for wildlife. With the right care and thoughtful handling after the holidays, your tree can serve a purpose long after the ornaments are packed away.